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The Wolfsbane Potion is an innovative and complex potion that relieves, but does not cure, the symptoms of lycanthropy. The main ingredient is wolfsbane (also referred to as aconite or monkshood). It was invented by Damocles in the recent past, most likely after the mid-1970s, as it was not available to Remus Lupin in his youth.[1]

History

Severus Snape brewed this potion for Remus Lupin during Lupin's year as Defence Against the Dark Arts professor at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.[2] In 1996, Lupin told Harry that even though the two professors were not on friendly terms, he was grateful to Snape for following the recipe; he admitted Snape could have wrought havoc on the school by tampering with the potion.

Effects

If individuals affected with lycanthropy drink the potion prior to the full moon, only their bodies will transform into a wolf, rather than making the full transformation into a werewolf; they will retain control over their actions. It is a complicated recipe and must be drank once per day in the week leading up to the full moon.

Description

The completed potion smokes faintly. According to Remus Lupin, it has a "disgusting" taste, and adding sugar will render it ineffective.[3]

Appearances

Notes and references

  1. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban - Chapter 18 (Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot and Prongs)
  2. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince - Chapter 16 (A Very Frosty Christmas)
  3. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban - Chapter 8 (Flight of the Fat Lady)
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